This time of year we are so inspired by the colors of the changing leaves and the smell and feeling of the fall air. Today we are delighted to share a handmade project that draws from the inspirations of the fall season. We created a DIY Modern Fall Tray and Gold Leaf Coasters using a simple wood tray, fall paint colors and gold leaf sheets. We love the burnt orange, mustard yellow, pale yellow and wine colors – all so reminisent of fall leaves. The gold leaf adds such a pop of shimmer to the tray and the tile coasters.
Apply a coat of sealer or clear varnish to the wooden tray. This will help the paint not bleed and will allow the gold foil to stick to the adhesive. Determine your design. I made a starburst design. I taped off the areas to paint using washi tape. Start with the first color of craft paint. Let dry a few minutes, then remove tape. Continue taping off sections and painting. You can speed up the drying process in between sections by using a hair dryer on cool setting.
Apply gold foil adhesive to the section of tray you want to make gold. Let dry for 20 minutes (it takes time for the adhesive to become sticky).
Apply the gold foil sheet to the sticky portion of tray. Rub the foil to adhere.
Gently pull the backing off foil.
Use craft glue or a hot glue gun to attach leather cording to handle. Wrap the cording around the handles and glue at end to secure.
Tape off the area you want to make gold. Apply the gold foil adhesive with a brush. Let dry for 20 minutes to become sticky.
Lay the gold foil sheet onto the sticky area of coaster. Rub the foil to adhere. Using a foam brush, clean up any access gold foil. Gently pull the backing off the foil. You can add a layer of clear varnish or Mod Podge® to seal the top of coaster.
Photos by Sara Albers.